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The Library


3.5 of 5 stars 19 ratings  |  Write a review
  • Cuisines: American, Continental

Reviews you can trust

80% Recommend
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Rating summary
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
Baltimore, MD
8 Nov 2009

We had our wedding reception at the Library restaurant last June. The dining room is beautiful and cozy, we did not need to get centerpiece or any decoration, we had approx. 100 guests and we had the whole restaurant. The staff (Joanne) was really helpful and accommodating (They have special meals for kids). The dinner was served in 'French banquet/family'... more

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4 of 5 stars
Washington DC, District of Columbia
28 Aug 2009

Went to The Library based on recommendation from bartender at The Common Man (a nice place itself) and really enjoyed it until about 8 pm when it got so loud, we decided not to eat there. Had several excellent martinis in the bar, enjoyed the great music and very friendly bartender Tim, who introduced us to a new vodka (sure,... more

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1 of 5 stars
space4
19 Feb 2009

Pretty room and the steak was cooked correctly but that is where the decency of this restaurant ends. The service is pathetic, the atmoshere is dismal meaning music and lighting and the rest of the food was overdone and underdone. I expect better for that price. more

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3 of 5 stars
Portsmouth, NH
19 Jan 2009

Good stuff: food, service, and atmosphere Bad stuff: A "caveat emptor" approach to serving sparkling water along with tap water without a "The bottled water is not complementary" from the server!!!! You accept the spark water because you don't want to be tacky by asking if it IS complementary and be prepared for a $5 charge on your bill. This... more

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5 of 5 stars
New Haven, Connecticut
15 Aug 2008

We were pleasantly surprised by this place. We did some research online about where to go for Sunday brunch in Portsmouth with a group of six. We came across The Library in our search - our one concern after reading people's entries was the word "elegant" coming up a few times. We did not want "elegant" for our brunch. Though... more

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4 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor reviewer on Facebook
1 Jun 2008

great atmosphere, pretty good food more

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4 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor reviewer on Facebook
4 May 2008

Classy, upscale atmosphere coupled with top notch service. Recommended: SPINACH DIP! more

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2 of 5 stars
Dover, NH
28 Jan 2008

I visited for the first time recently on a Friday night around 6:30 with a friend from work- we decided to sit in the bar area and order dinner there. We both had a cosmo- delicious- and then ordered dinner- She ordered a crabcake appetizer- and I had shrimp cocktail, both very good. For dinner my friend got the baked... more

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor reviewer on Facebook
17 Nov 2007

Great steak. A la carte sides, which are very good. We love the dessert, but can never finish ours b/c too full! Service is excellent. more

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5 of 5 stars
Cypress, Texas
30 Oct 2007

Have a drink in the bar first before dinner. It's the perfect atmosphere! The food and service are both superb. Highly recommend to anyone. more

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The Library Address

401 State St., Portsmouth, NH 03801
Tel: 603-431-5202 Fax: 603-431-4678
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.